Healthy Homemade Snickers Protein Bars (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free)

Healthy Homemade Snickers Protein Bars (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free) which tastes just like the original candy bar, but with a sugar free and low carb makeover! A quick, easy and portable snack or dessert which takes minutes to whip up and can be made with or without protein powder!

I’m a little surprised that it has taken me so long to share this no bake snickers recipe! Snickers is the answer to my sweet and salty palate, as evidenced by the sneaky ways I’ve incorporated in various foods.

Ever since I started working out and exercising more, I’ve ensured to focus on my protein intake. For the longest time, I would resort to store bought protein bars. As predicted, this quickly added up. I soon realized I could make my own!

I first started by using my homemade protein bar recipe(3 ingredients and ready in 5 minutes!) before becoming fancy and making a 3 ingredient homemade Paleo version. Since then, I’ve gotten way more creative and let’s be real- They have become my edible motivation AND replacing a boring protein smoothie or protein shake!

The original snickers chocolate candy bar is made up of a thick, chewy nougat, a thick caramel, a thin layer of crushed peanuts and covered in chocolate.

This seriously addictive snickers copycat recipe may sound or look complicated, but I promise it is super simple and will be a staple in your meal prep, lunch boxes, back to school snacks and everyday desserts. Heck, you can even enjoy it pre or post workout.

Can we get an AMEN for edible workout motivation?

These homemade snickers require an easy 3-step process!

The first step involves making the ‘nougat’, which is where most of the protein is stored, but you’d never be able to tell- It tastes just like the original. It uses a combination of coconut flour, smooth nut or seed butter, vanilla protein powder, a sticky sweetener and some milk to form a thick batter.

I know to some people, coconut flour is an ingredient which can be hit or miss, but this recipe is fool-proof, because of the added milk or liquid of choice. You’ll also add the protein powder here too and mix it all together.

A quick note- You’ll want to use a casein protein powder, a brown rice protein powder or a paleo protein powder here. From recipe testing, I’ve found other kinds of powders to leave the batter either sticky or over dry. If you want this recipe to have NO protein powder, that is totally fine- It is still naturally high in protein without it!

Before you add the liquid, you’ll add your smooth peanut butter and sticky sweetener of choice. If possible, melt these two together because it makes it so much easier to mix and form into a durable dough. I wanted to make it taste just like the Snickers nougat, so used peanut as my nut butter. To keep it paleo or if you have a peanut allergy, the best swap being almond butter or cashew butter. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter work great.

The chewy caramel layer is my favorite part, and tastes better than what a classic caramel would taste like! You’d assume to make a chewy caramel, you’d need to be standing over a stove for a long period of time, but not at all- This only needs TWO ingredients or three, if you want it super silky and creamy!

Either microwave or stovetop, you’ll simply need to combine a nut butter (I used peanut butter, but feel free to use almond/sunflower seed butter) and a sticky sweetener (this sugar-free maple syrup works great!). Together, they produce a creamy, dreamy and sticky caramel-like texture. To take it up a notch, I’d recommend adding some coconut oil, which adds a glossy and even creamier texture.

There is an optional part here, but I think it is imperative to keep true to a Snickers bar- Add a layer of salted, crushed peanuts (or crushed nuts or seeds of choice) on top of the caramel, before placing the bars in the fridge to firm up!

Seriously, if you ever feel the need to buy a snickers bar OR protein bar again, think again. My homemade version is-

Protein-rich

Quick and easy

Fool-proof 3 Step Process

Using just FIVE Ingredients

Dairy Free and Low Carb

Chewy and fudgy

Kid-friendly

Fitness friendly

SERIOUSLY ADDICTIVE AND GUILT-FREE

The next time you even CONSIDER satisfying your hunger with a snickers bar (because Snickers really satisfies) OR you need a store bought protein bar, think again. These healthy homemade no bake snickers protein bar is your answer!

Healthy Homemade Snickers Protein Bars

Healthy Homemade Snickers Protein Bars (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free) which tastes just like the original candy bar, but with a sugar free and low carb makeover! A quick, easy and portable snack or dessert which takes minutes to whip up and can be made with or without protein powder!

For the caramel layer

For the chocolate coating

Instructions

Line an 8 x 8 or deep dish pan with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add your coconut flour, protein powder, and cocoa powder and mix well. Add your peanut butter, sticky sweetener and mix until a crumbly texture remains. Using a 1/4 cup, add milk of choice until a thick batter remains. Transfer the batter to the lined pan and refrigerate.

In a microwave safe bowl or stovetop, start making your 'caramel' by combining your peanut butter, sticky sweetener, and optional coconut oil. Melt until fully immersed and silky. Pour over the top of the Snickers nougat layer.

Once firm, remove from the loaf pan and cut into bars. Melt your chocolate chips of choice. Dip each snickers base in the chocolate until evenly coated. Refrigerate until chocolate has firmed up.

Notes

* Depending on the protein powder and coconut flour you use, you'll need more than 1/4 cup. Adjust accordingly.

** For a thicker chocolate coating, consider doubling the amount

Healthy homemade snickers protein bars don't need to be refrigerated, but last longer if done. They are freezer friendly too.

Nutrition

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I think peanuts and legumes are the only reasons why I would never go on a Paleo diet permanently, hahaha! And a candy that always comes around in my life would have to be chocolates, specifically Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, truffles, and anything dark filled with a sweet caramel!

G’day, I’m Arman!

Thanks for stopping by The Big Man’s World ®. My name is Arman Liew, and I’m stoked to have you here! Here you’ll find delicious HEALTHY recipes, inspirational travel, and lifestyle, all served with a side of cheeky banter.